Hall Of Famer
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Location: Chicago IL
Posts: 4,114
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Series #14
Series #14
Preliminary Round

1976 Cincinnati Reds
Record: 102-60
Finish: World Champions
Manager: Sparky Anderson
Ball Park: Riverfront Stadium
WAR Leader: Joe Morgan (9.6)
Hall of Famers: (3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/1976.shtml
1921 Washington Senators
Record: 80-73
Finish: 4th in AL
Manager: George McBride
Ball Park: Griffith Stadium
WAR Leader: George Moggridge (6.3)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSH/1921.shtml
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In a unique and historical clash of baseball eras, the 1976 Cincinnati Reds, known as the "Big Red Machine," faced off against the 1921 Washington Senators in a best-of-seven series. This remarkable showdown brought together two generations of baseball excellence and ignited the imaginations of fans and baseball enthusiasts worldwide.
The series kicked off with a bang at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium. In a closely contested matchup, the 1921 Washington Senators put up a valiant fight but fell short as the 1976 Reds triumphed 5-4 in a thrilling 12-inning game. The Player of the Game, Pat Zachry, delivered a remarkable pitching performance, going seven strong innings and allowing just three earned runs. However, the highlight of the game came in the first inning when the legendary Johnny Bench smashed a grand slam, setting the tone for the series.
"It was incredible to start the series like that," Bench remarked. "We knew we were up against some baseball legends from the past, and it felt great to make a statement early."
Game 2 witnessed another outstanding performance by the 1976 Reds. Don Gullett, the Reds' ace, showcased his mastery on the mound, pitching 8.2 innings, giving up just one earned run, and striking out eight batters. Gullett even contributed at the plate with a two-run single, helping his own cause. The Reds secured a 5-1 victory, taking a 2-0 series lead.
As the series shifted to Washington's Griffith Stadium, the 1976 Reds continued their dominance. Eric Erickson took the mound for Cincinnati, pitching six solid innings while allowing only two earned runs. The Reds managed to defeat the Senators 2-4. Frank Ellerbe belted a home run for the Senators, but it wasn't enough to stop the Reds from gaining a 3-0 series lead.
The 1976 Reds had their eyes set on clinching the series in four games, and George Foster played a crucial role in making that happen. Foster had a phenomenal performance, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double, four RBIs, and two runs scored. The Reds emerged victorious with a commanding 7-0 win, leaving the Senators with their backs against the wall.
In the decisive Game 5, Pat Zachry took the mound for the Reds with the opportunity to close out the series. He delivered in stunning fashion, throwing a complete-game shutout against the 1921 Senators, giving up just three hits and securing a 3-0 win for Cincinnati. The Reds celebrated their series victory, winning four games to one.
The 1976 Cincinnati Reds, the "Big Red Machine," showcased their prowess and added another remarkable chapter to their storied history by triumphing over the 1921 Washington Senators. This unique series served as a testament to the enduring legacy of baseball and the boundless love fans have for the sport, spanning generations and eras.
1976 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4 Games To 1
Series MVP:

(.350, 2 RBI, 5 R, 1 3B, 1 2B, 1 SB, .458 OBP, .958 OPS)
Last edited by Nick Soulis; 10-20-2023 at 07:28 AM.
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